The Surveillance Camera Code of Practice (the Code) is prepared by the Secretary of State by virtue of Section 29(1) Protection of Freedoms Act 2012. Its purpose being to drive up standards in the operation of surveillance camera systems in …

Well – the long awaited Government Biometric Strategy was released last week. This Strategy presumes to set the direction for the use of biometrics by law enforcement agencies and Home Office bodies. It proposes to establish an oversight and advisory …

As evolving surveillance technologies continue to present both opportunities and challenges for society, regulators have an ever more critical role to play in ensuring that appropriate legal and ethical standards exist, supported by guidance where necessary to govern their use …

In providing regulatory leadership in the context of surveillance camera systems, I remain committed to focusing my energies and influence to support and bring about debate to influence change for the public good. This week I called together many respected …

I welcome the recent publication of the Big Brother Watch report, concerning face identification technology, as in my view it adds value to a much needed debate on a matter of growing public interest. The public interest demands clear legislation, …

As an operator of a surveillance camera system you are faced with a framework of legal and regulatory requirements and industry standards, some of which place statutory responsibilities upon you in connection with the use of those systems depending upon …

You never really know if an idea will work. Professor William Webster (Centre for Research Information Surveillance and Privacy) thought that if he "built it people would come". And they did – lots of people! Delivering a commitment made as …

Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras (ANPR) fall within my statutory regulatory remit. ANPR is a defined surveillance camera system, by virtue of Section 29(6)(a) of the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012. The system is operated by police forces who are …

In conjunction with CRISP (Centre for Research into Information, Surveillance and Privacy) and my office we are holding a Question Time style event at London School of Economics set for a 6.00pm start and 8.00 pm finish on Wednesday 21st …

Section 35(1)(a) of the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 (PoFA) requires that I prepare a report about the exercise of my functions, give a copy to the Secretary of State and publish the report. Section 35(2) PoFA requires the Secretary …

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Surveillance Camera Commissioner's Office

This is the official blog for the Surveillance Camera Commissioner’s Office. We aim to give you updates on the current issues in the sector, share ideas and importantly invite your views on the use of surveillance cameras.